Brown Sugar Chai Cake

The Brown Sugar Chai Cake is a delightful dessert that combines two moist layers of cake infused with warm spices, creating a cozy experience in every bite. This cake is perfect for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to birthday celebrations. Its unique blend of flavors, enhanced by a tangy cream cheese frosting, makes it an impressive treat that will leave your guests asking for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Flavorful Spices: The warm chai spices bring comfort and warmth, perfect for any occasion.
• Impressive Presentation: With its luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake looks as good as it tastes.
• Feeding a Crowd: Yields 20 servings, ideal for parties or family gatherings.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for celebrations or simply indulging on a cozy night in.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin baking your Brown Sugar Chai Cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures even mixing of ingredients, which helps achieve the perfect cake texture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success; they help maintain the right balance of flavors.
• Cooling rack: Allows your cakes to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For this delicious Brown Sugar Chai Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake Layers

• 390 g all-purpose flour
• 320 g dark brown sugar
• 15 g baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp cardamom
• 1 tsp ginger
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cloves
• 140 g unsalted butter (room temp)
• 100 g neutral oil
• 283 g whole milk (room temp)
• 2 eggs (room temp)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 227 g unsalted butter (room temp)
• 12 oz cream cheese (cold)
• 340 g powdered sugar (sifted)

How to Make Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter or lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk together until well blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and neutral oil until creamy. Add the whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is combined smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Use your electric mixer on low speed to combine until just incorporated; avoid over-mixing.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat together unsalted butter and cold cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar until you reach a fluffy consistency.

Step 7: Assemble Your Cake

Once cooled completely, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides with remaining frosting.

Enjoy your homemade Brown Sugar Chai Cake!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Serving your Brown Sugar Chai Cake can elevate its delightful flavors and charm. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious cake that will impress your guests.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair your cake with a warm cup of chai tea for a cozy experience. The spices in both the cake and tea complement each other beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Berries

• Add a handful of fresh berries on top for a burst of color and tartness. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries work perfectly alongside the sweet cake.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce on top adds a rich sweetness that enhances the flavors. It creates an inviting presentation that’s hard to resist.

Served with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast. The cold ice cream balances the warm spices in the cake, creating a delightful treat.

Garnished with Whipped Cream

• Top your cake slices with freshly whipped cream. It adds lightness and makes for an elegant finishing touch that brings out the flavors further.

How to Perfect Brown Sugar Chai Cake

To achieve the best results when making your Brown Sugar Chai Cake, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature helps create a smooth batter that rises well during baking.

• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour, baking powder, and spices together aerates them. This step leads to lighter and fluffier cake layers.

• Do not overmix: Mix just until combined when adding wet to dry ingredients. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and airy.

• Check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check if the cakes are done. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re ready!

Best Side Dishes for Brown Sugar Chai Cake

Pairing your Brown Sugar Chai Cake with side dishes can enhance its flavor profile. Here are some delicious options you might consider.

1. Spiced Apple Compote: A warm apple compote spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg complements the chai flavors perfectly.

2. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy coconut macaroons add texture and sweetness that pairs well with the moist chai cake.

3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery mashed potatoes offer a savory contrast to the sweet cake, creating an interesting balance.

4. Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables provides earthy tones that harmonize nicely with the cake’s spices.

5. Zesty Citrus Salad: A refreshing citrus salad brightens up the meal, cleansing the palate between bites of sweet cake.

6. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots drizzled with honey enhance the overall sweetness while providing vibrant color to your table setting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve the perfect Brown Sugar Chai Cake.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs or milk can affect the cake’s texture. Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cake and check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make your cake dry. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level off for accuracy.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into a warm cake can lead to crumbling. Allow it to cool completely before frosting or serving.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Brown Sugar Chai Cake will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Brown Sugar Chai Cake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil for optimal freshness.
• You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months.

Reheating Brown Sugar Chai Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making the Brown Sugar Chai Cake.

Can I use different spices in my Brown Sugar Chai Cake?

You can customize the spice blend according to your preference! Try adding more cinnamon or experimenting with nutmeg and ginger ratios.

How do I make my frosting less sweet?

To balance the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting, you can add a pinch of salt or incorporate some lemon juice for tanginess.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal, use plant-based butter, and opt for dairy-free cream cheese.

What occasions is this Brown Sugar Chai Cake suitable for?

This cake is great for gatherings, celebrations, or cozy family dinners. Its warm spices make it perfect for fall and winter events!

Final Thoughts

The Brown Sugar Chai Cake is not only delightful but also versatile. You can adjust spices or flavors to suit your taste. Give it a try; it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any occasion!